Post some pictures if you can please. Show the relevant information you reference. Additionally, and in particular, there should be one or two JL ###'s. These will be either a J-B ### and a J-E ###. They are usually located at the objective end of the central hinge, but sometimes appear elsewhere.

The list of Japanese manufacturers of that era ran into the hundreds. They ranged from small mom and pop shops that made small numbers to remaining Japanese giants like Kamakura, Nikon and Kowa. J-B indicates the maker of the binocular and the J-E indicates who made the housing.

There were several prominent types of Japanese design shared by many. There were only one or two basic designs (from housing appearance anyway) in each objective size category.

I do not see the name Hitomi in any of the manufacturers on my list. They may have been a seller of optics who had a company make binoculars for them, but I really don't know for sure.

It is not particularly unusual to come across a view that will amaze you, especially for 50 or so year old binoculars. The Japanese got to the point where they had the porro figured out.

Steve"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron

check this out... one of the guy on another thread pulled this out of his hat...

Maybe this will help.

Japanese Manufacturer's Codes for Optical Products.

Most Japanese binoculars from the 1960s and several decades later carry one or two tiny marks on the body, about 2 mm in height, frequently adjacent to the hinge axis on the rear, between the objectives. 'JB' and two or three digits identifies the manufacturer of the finished binocular, and 'JE' identifies the maker of the body. The J symbol has a small horizontal line extending from the middle of the J, and is explained in a pamphlet from the Japan Binoculars Export Promotion Association, _'63 Binoculars From Japan_. "Combining the letters L and J (standing for Light Machinery of Japan)......on the shoulder hinges or support strut of all approved binoculars manufactured in Japan since November 1959." The JBEPA had their US office in the Japan Trade Center, 393 Fifth Ave, NY.This list was obtained by Bill Beacom, who arranged for its translation, and converted to electronic form by Fred Schwartzman. A second, later, list added further companies; the earlier list used 'Kogaku' and the later list used 'Optical'. No dates are available for either list.We are looking for the manufacturers represented by the missing numbers 65, 66, and 209.=============Checkup On Quality - JAPANESE BINOCULAR INSPECTION INSTITUTE

Binoculars from Japan are rigidly inspected to make sure that every component is of top quality and that all mechanisms are in perfect working order. All optical products that have passed these rigorous standards are tagged “PASSED” by the Government’s Japan Telescopes Inspection Institute.

The JL mark: Only those binocular and optical manufacturers meeting Japan’s Government standards of inspection and quality may use the authorized JL symbol. This symbol accompanied by the letter “E” or “B” and the number of the respective manufacturer is engraved on the objective-end hinge or on the cover plate. The letter “E” designating the metalwork manufacturer is engraved on the right and the letter “B” designating the manufacturer of the finished product is on the left.

“PASSED” labels. This oval silver paper label marked “JTII” certifies that binoculars have complied with the export standards of the Japan Telescopes Inspection Institute. It is usually found on the axle of the binoculars. -----The quality of the JB marked products are rechecked by the Institute for items that are exported. This rigorous Government system insures that only top quality binoculars are exported from Japan. Know your dealer. Your final check on a quality pair of binoculars is your faith and reliance in your dealer. A reputable dealer will stand behind his optical products.=====================Below are two lists, one in numeric order and the second in alphabetic order.

That is widely downloaded from this site, one every Vintage porro fan should have bookmarked. In my case I have the Japanese J-L page as a file on my desktop, my laptop, my tablet, and even my cellphone. Never know when it will come in handy, and it comes in handy quite a bit.

http://www.europa.com/~telscope/binotele.htm

As to the query on the eye relief on the Bushnell Rangemaster, there is maybe 10 mm on the early Fuji model and a bit less than that on the last Tamron model. The view is superb.

Steve"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron

I don't think the Sears Discoverer is quite the same as the Rangemaster. At any rate they have different JB codes. They are very good glass.

If you start buying a bunch of these, be prepared for some clunkers and some needed repairs. What repair ability I have gained is from necessity in doing some of the work myself.

My recommendations for top end vintage binoculars are, in no particular order...

Baush & Lomb Zephyr Probably the last truly made in the USA binocular. Outstanding viewBushnell Rangemasters Big and heavy for 7x35's but what a view' Versions by Fuji and Tamron.Swift Binoculars. This is a brand that has been destroyed and is a pity. Their Audubon series 8.5x44 are seriously good. So are the Sport King and Holiday.Bushnell Custom are goodJason VentureSears Discoverer, particularly some of the 11* EWA 7x50's

Just go slow, you'll pick up a lot along the way...binoculars and knowledge. Have fun. Be prepared for the odd clunker. Ask me how I know

Steve"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron

Should be an interesting trip.... I used to clean and adjust the fiber optic inspection microscopes at my last job. B&L and AOs. at 200 to 600 magnification it's hard to get the field clean and clear of debris.

I've never opened up a bino but I'm well acquainted with optics cleaning procedures for microscopes. I have the spanners needed to open / unscrew lenses too. It's been a few years....

"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".--Thomas Jefferson

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